July Client Spotlight: The BE Hive
Saper Law Client Spotlight
Saper Law’s Client Spotlight is a series highlighting our various practice areas through client features. This July, we are highlighting our Intellectual Property and Business practice areas by shining a spotlight on Saper Law client, The BE Hive.
Meet The BE Hive
The BE Hive, is a Nashville-based plant-based food company that began as an underground vegan movement and has grown into a nationally recognized brand. Known for its bold flavors and innovative approach, The BE Hive has been recognized by major outlets such as Forbes, Eater, VegOut, Thrillist, and PETA for redefining what vegan food can be.
How It Began
In 2008, founder and drummer Ben Stix started hosting large vegan potlucks at his Nashville home, nicknamed “The BE Hive” after his band, Born Empty. When a local vegan restaurant closed one day a week, Ben and his friends launched a $10 all-you-can-eat buffet, donating part of the proceeds to nonprofits and using the rest to fund their dream.
The buffet’s success inspired Ben to officially launch The BE Hive in 2011, focusing on creating flavorful plant-based proteins. What began as small community dinners grew into partnerships with local restaurants, the opening of a popular East Nashville deli, and eventually a full-scale production facility. Today, their products are sold nationwide and appear on menus at restaurants across the U.S.
Expansion
After early setbacks, Ben pushed forward, developing signature products like seitan chorizo, deli slices, and filets. His first major win came when Nashville’s Baja Burrito purchased 60 pounds of seitan on the spot. From there, The BE Hive steadily expanded, moving from borrowed kitchens to its first dedicated space in East Nashville, where weekend pop-ups evolved into a full-fledged deli.
In 2020, they secured a 7,500-square-foot production space and pivoted to a to-go model, drawing lines down the block. By 2021, they had doubled their footprint to 15,000 square feet to keep up with nationwide demand.
Do You Need Similar Assistance?
Saper Law serves as Intellectual Property and Business counsel to The BE Hive. If you need similar assistance, click here to schedule a consultation.
